Federal & State Regulations | Qualification of drivers - Delaware

Federal regulations

Delaware has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations with some modifications.

Applicability

Part 391 applies to a single vehicle or a vehicle in combination operated in intrastate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds, and any size vehicle hauling hazardous materials requiring placards.

Must be at least 18 years old and have at least 1 year previous experience operating a motor vehicle. Drivers transporting hazardous materials and/or involved in interstate commerce must be 21 years old.

Driver qualification file

A driver qualification file (Sec. 391.51) is required. There is an exception to the physical qualification requirement. See Physical Qualification below for details.

Experience

To obtain a Class A, B, or C (CDL) license, a driver must have 1 year of previous driving experience.

Operator’s license

The classes of driver licenses are:

Class	Description
Class A — CDL	Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the towed unit is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B — CDL	Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class C — CDL	Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds that is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or used in the transportation of hazardous materials which requires the vehicle to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. part 172, subpart F.
Class D	Any single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds. The vehicle must be designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, and they shall not transport hazardous materials which require the vehicle to be placarded under federal law.
Non-CDL Class A	Same groups as CDL Class A but applies only when operating farm vehicles, fire-fighting equipment, and other authorized emergency vehicles under a CDL waiver.
Non-CDL Class B	Same groups as CDL Class B but applies only when operating farm vehicles, fire-fighting equipment, and other authorized emergency vehicles under a CDL waiver.
Endorsements
H	Hazardous materials
T	Double and triple trailers
P	Passenger
N	Tank
X	Hazardous materials and tank
S	School bus
Restrictions
E	Restricts driver from operating manual transmission vehicles
K	Restricts driver from operating a CMV outside Delaware
L	Restricts driver from operating vehicles equipped with air brakes
M	Restricts driver from operating Class A passenger vehicle
N	Restricts driver from operating Class A or B passenger vehicle
O	Restricts driver from operating tractor-trailer CMVs
V	Restricts driver from operating a CMV without medical variance issued by FMCSA
Z	Restricts driver from operating vehicles with full air brake systems

Physical qualification

Intrastate drivers who are not physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle may apply for an intrastate only waiver.

View agency contact information.

['Driver qualifications']

['Drivers qualification (DQ file)']

...

Qualification of drivers - Delaware